Eindhoven is located in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands, and has Eindhoven Airport, known for cheap flights.
Eindhoven is special for a few reasons:
– Technology and Innovation: Often called the “Silicon Valley of the Netherlands,” Eindhoven is known for its technology focus. It’s
where Philips started and is still a key place for high-tech companies and new businesses.
– Design and Creativity: The city is famous for its design, especially during the Dutch Design Week, the biggest design event in
Northern Europe. It’s also home to the Design Academy Eindhoven, a top design school.
– Education: Eindhoven has top schools like the Eindhoven University of Technology, known for its engineering and tech programs. These schools work closely with local industries.
– Culture: Eindhoven has a lively cultural scene with many museums, like the Van Abbemuseum, and music venues. The city has its own brand website, and the entire city features its own logo. Here, you can find all the latest events and information about city life. https://www.thisiseindhoven.com/en
– Green Spaces: The city values parks and green areas, like Stadswandelpark, Genneper Parks, Philips de Jongh Wandelpark, Henri Dunant Park, Karpendonkse Plas and Dommelplantsoen which provide a green break from city life.
After you arrive in the city, make sure to register yourself and obtain a BSN (Burger Service Nummer) at the municipality of Eindhoven. You can follow these steps:
– Find Accommodation: Before you can register with the municipality, you need to have a fixed address in Eindhoven. Make sure your accommodation is confirmed and you have the address details. If you don’t have accommodation yet, then consult with the municipality. Usually, they will register you using your temporary address.
– Make an Appointment: Contact the Municipality of Eindhoven to schedule an appointment. This can usually be done online through
the official municipality website.
– Prepare Required Documents: Valid passport or ID card. A rental contract or proof of address (like a utility bill in your name, if available). Your birth certificate, which may need to be translated and apostilled, depending on your home country’s agreements with
the Netherlands. If applicable, a visa or residence permit.
– Attend Your Appointment: Go to the municipality office at the scheduled time. Bring all your documents. At the appointment, you
will fill out the necessary forms.
– Obtain Your BSN: After registering, you will receive your BSN. This number is crucial for various administrative purposes in the
Netherlands, including opening a bank account, visiting a doctor, and applying for benefits or allowances.
– Other Registrations: Register at your university or college if you haven’t already done so. Consider registering with a local doctor
(GP) as well.
When you arrive, one of the first things you need to do is open a Dutch bank account. This is because you have to transfer your living fee to the university’s bank account to get your university admission and visa. Then, you can transfer this fee back to your new Dutch account.
TU Eindhoven often works with Rabobank for student accounts, but ING Bank is also a good option if you prefer. Most student accounts are free, but there might be costs for deposits. You can also get a credit card to make online purchases outside the Netherlands.
Here are some of the best banks for this purpose:
– ABN AMRO: Offers services in English and has a special package for international students. Their website and customer service are
also in English.
– ING: Known for easy online banking. They have different account options and a user-friendly mobile app, great for students.
– Rabobank: One of the biggest banks in the Netherlands. They have low-cost accounts for students.
– Bunq: A digital bank popular with young people and expats. You can open an account online easily, which is great for students.
– SNS Bank: Offers many banking products and has good customer service. They have special offers for students and are available in
Eindhoven.
Note: In the Netherlands, most of the places do not accept Visa/Visa Electron cards
Eindhoven ranks 11th worldwide as the most bicycle-friendly city. Here you will almost always get to your destination by bicycle.
There are several places where you can rent bikes, suitable for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Here are some popular
options:
– Swapfiets: This service offers monthly bike rental subscriptions. You get a bike and they take care of any repairs if needed.
– ListNRide: A platform where you can rent bikes from locals or bike shops around Eindhoven.
– Fietspoint: Located near Eindhoven Central Station, this shop offers daily and weekly bike rentals.
– Urban Wheelz Center: Another option near the city center, providing bike rentals including electric bikes.
It is better to buy second-hand bikes through Facebook groups from students from previous years, which are much cheaper than used bikes in shops. Since you’re buying a second hand bikes from someone you don’t know, you are trusting that it isn’t stolen. Ask the seller to write and sign a document stating they are the rightful owner of the bike, including the serial number, and the date, location, and price you paid for the bike. This way, you protect yourself from any legal issues if the bike turns out to be stolen.
Bicycles for women and men often have some differences to better fit their typical body shapes . Here’s a simple explanation:
– Frame Shape: Women’s bikes have a lower bar you step over when getting on the bike. This makes it easier to get on and off, especially in a skirt or dress. Men’s bikes have a higher bar.
– Seat Design: Women’s bike seats are usually wider and shorter because women’s hips are wider. Men’s bike seats are narrower and longer.
– Handlebars: Women’s bikes often have narrower handlebars than men’s bikes because women usually have narrower shoulders.
Note: In the Netherlands, bikes often get stolen, so please buy a better, more expensive lock. A lock with an ART 2 or 3 certificate (or higher) is top-notch.
Here’s everything you need to know about it:
– Linked to one person, it can hold season tickets and allows for age-related discounts. You can also block this card if it’s lost or stolen.
– Anonymous OV-chipkaart: Can be used by different people at different times (but not simultaneously), ideal for visitors or occasional travelers.
– Check-in and Check-out: Always check in when you start your journey and check out when you finish, by holding the card against the card reader at the entrance and exit points of buses, trains, or metro stations. Otherwise, it will charge you the full price of the journey.
– You can load the card with credit in euros or add travel products like monthly passes.
– Purchase a personal OV-chipkaart via the official OV-chipkaart website.
– Buy an anonymous card at various locations, including railway stations, some supermarkets, and tobacco shops.
– Available at train and metro stations.
– A personal or anonymous OV-chipkaart costs around €7.50.
– To travel by train, you need to maintain a minimum balance of €20 on your card.
– Seniors over 65 and youths under 18 qualify for reduced fares.
– Options for frequent travelers, offering unlimited travel within certain regions or on specific routes.
– Available for groups traveling together, useful for families or tourists.
– Offers 40% off train travel during off-peak hours for around €50 per year.
– Be sure to register your personal OV-chipkaart online to manage it easily, check balances, and reload it as needed. Check the validity of your card regularly as they expire after five years.
– By ordering it online using www.ns.nl, and you will save €7.50 since the OV-Chipkaart will be provided for free.
For more info: www.ov-chipkaart.nl; http://www.ns.nl;
For more info on travelling from A to B point: https://9292.nl/en
For more info regarding the discounts on public transport: Click here.
– Organizations like Vestide (part of the Woonbedrijf housing corporation) offer housing specifically for students. These can range from rooms in shared apartments to studio apartments, often with basic furniture provided.
– Both Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Fontys University of Applied Sciences have partnerships with housing agencies to help students find suitable accommodation. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible due to limited availability.
– For short stays, consider options like Airbnb or budget hotels as temporary solutions while you search for something more permanent.
Before you accept a room, please check which bills (for example, gas, electricity, internet, TV) are included in your rent. If you want to look for accommodation yourself, the websites and Facebook groups listed at the bottom of the page might be useful.
Place to study
Eindhoven has many schools and training centers for technology, design, and business. Here are some important ones in Eindhoven:
– Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) – Specializes in engineering, technology, and technical design. It’s one of the leading technical universities in Europe.
– Fontys University of Applied Sciences – Offers a broad range of bachelor’s and master’s programs in engineering, business, IT,
arts, and social sciences.
– Design Academy Eindhoven – Renowned internationally, this academy focuses on industrial, graphic, spatial, and product design. It is considered one of the best design schools globally.
– Summa College – Provides vocational education in various fields including technology, business, healthcare, and hospitality. It’s geared towards preparing students for specific careers with practical skills.
– SintLucas – Focuses on creative-industry education, offering programs in visual arts, media, design, and crafts.
– De Rooi Pannen Eindhoven-Offers practical training in hospitality, tourism, and marketing. This school focuses on real-world skills,
preparing students for jobs in these industries.
In Eindhoven, students and freelancers have several options for studying or working outside of their accommodation. Here are some places you might consider:
– University Libraries: Both Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Fontys University of Applied Sciences have libraries that are accessible to students. These libraries offer quiet study spaces, computer facilities, and resources. The building is located in campus and is called Metaforum
– Public Libraries: The Eindhoven Public Library, located in the city center, provides a conducive environment for studying or working.
They offer free Wi-Fi, study areas, and sometimes even meeting rooms.
– Cafés: Many cafés in Eindhoven offer a relaxed atmosphere and free Wi-Fi, making them suitable for studying or working. Popular
options include CoffeeLab, ZwartWit Koffie, and Meneer de Boer.
– Co-Working Spaces: There are several co-working spaces in Eindhoven that cater to freelancers and remote workers. These spaces provide amenities such as desks, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities. Examples include Seats2Meet and Microlab.
– Student Associations: Some student associations have dedicated study spaces or rooms where members can study together. Check
with your university or student association for more information.
– Parks and Outdoor Spaces: On sunny days, parks like Stadswandelpark and Genneper Parken offer outdoor study spots where you can enjoy nature while working or studying.
- Ricoh myPrint: Brings online printing functionality to your phone;
- Buienradar: Check our rain radar and graph before you leave;
- 9292 or NS Reisplanner Xtra: Travel planners for all public transportation;
- GoEuro Train Bus Flight: Find and book your ideal train, bus or flight across Europe;
- ING Bankieren: Manage your banking affairs;
- Microsoft Outlook: Check your university emails in one convenient spot.
- MyLebara Top-up: If you use Lebara sim card) Manage your account anytime, anywhere.
- Working while studying
- Looking for job after studies
- IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service).
doesn’t begin with NL, beware.